Lake Muskoka
| Lake Muskoka | |
|---|---|
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| Location | Ontario |
| Coordinates | 45°02′N 79°27′W / 45.033°N 79.450°WCoordinates: 45°02′N 79°27′W / 45.033°N 79.450°W |
| Primary inflows | Muskoka River, Indian River |
| Primary outflows | Moon River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Surface area | 120 km2 (46 sq mi) |
| Settlements | Muskoka Lakes, Gravenhurst, Bala |
Lake Muskoka is located between Port Carling and Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada. The lake is surrounded by many cottages. The lake is primarily within the boundary of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, the southeast corner is within the boundary of the Town of Gravenhurst and another small portion around the mouth of the Muskoka River is within the boundary of the Town of Bracebridge. The town of Bala is located on the southwest shores of the lake, where the Moon River starts. Lake Muskoka is connected to Lake Rosseau through the Indian River and lock system at Port Carling. The lake is mainly fed by the Muskoka River, Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau.
First mention of Muskoka in any records is in 1615 and the territory was occupied by Indians, mainly consisting of the Algonquin and Huron tribes. Early explorers to the region like Samuel De Champlain came to the area next followed by Missionaries. The name Muskoka is thought to come from the name of a Chippewa tribe chief named Mesqua Ukee which means "not easily turned back in the day of battle". Also known as Chief Yellowhead, it was Mesqua Ukee who signed the treaties made between the Indians and Province of Canada which sold about 250,000 acres (1,010 km2) of land in the area to the Province. He was so revered by the Ontario government that they built a home for him in Orillia where he lived until his death at age 95.
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Wikipedia